Gabriel Bortoleto Shines at the Hungarian Grand Prix: A Career-Best Performance

Gabriel Bortoleto delivered his best performance yet in the Formula 1 circuit during the Hungarian Grand Prix. On Sunday, August 3, the young driver showcased his skills by maintaining an impressive pace, ultimately finishing the race in sixth place. This result allowed him to earn valuable points in the championship standings, elevating him two positions.

A Promising Start at the Hungaroring

At the Hungaroring, Bortoleto secured his highest starting position of the season, qualifying seventh on the grid—one spot ahead of two-time world champion Max Verstappen, who started from eighth. Despite the forecast predicting rain in Budapest, the weather was overcast yet dry on race day. The temperature hovered around a cool 22°C, with the asphalt heating up to 33°C and humidity levels at approximately 57%.

As the lights went out in Hungary, Bortoleto seized the opportunity to make a move on Lance Stroll, advancing to sixth place right from the start. By the third lap, he found himself under pressure from Verstappen, who was closing in from behind. Simultaneously, Bortoleto was also engaged in a battle with his rival, Fernando Alonso, who was positioned fifth.

Investigations and Strategic Decisions

Midway through the race, it was announced that the race officials were investigating Bortoleto for a potential false start. Nico Hülkenberg was also under scrutiny for a similar issue. After several laps of speculation, it was confirmed that Bortoleto would not face any penalties, while Hülkenberg remained under investigation.

As the race progressed, Bortoleto maintained his sixth-place standing, utilizing medium tires effectively. However, Alonso began to build a lead, pulling away by over 2.5 seconds. The window for the first round of pit stops had opened, with many frontrunners already diving into the pits. Meanwhile, Bortoleto remained on track, conserving his tires, and receiving feedback from his engineer that he was performing well.

Approaching the halfway mark of the race, which consisted of 70 laps, Bortoleto had yet to make his pit stop. He was strategically waiting for the right moment, positioned 2.9 seconds behind Stroll in eighth and 8.6 seconds behind Alonso in fifth.

Timing the Pits

On lap 38, Stroll finally made his pit stop, returning to the track in 12th position. This signaled to Bortoleto that it was time to consider making his own stop, but he opted to stay out for one more lap. Two laps later, Alonso also made his pit stop, yet Bortoleto continued to push on the track, with Sauber opting not to call him in just yet.

Finally, on lap 41, Bortoleto made his move into the pits, switching to hard tires with a stop that took just 2.6 seconds. He rejoined the race ahead of Hülkenberg, now in eighth place. Upon returning to the track, Bortoleto found himself racing at a rapid pace, especially as Lewis Hamilton made his own pit stop, allowing Bortoleto to advance to sixth, just behind Alonso.

The Final Stages of the Race

As the race headed into its final stages, with 20 laps remaining, Verstappen made another pit stop, promoting Bortoleto to sixth place while Verstappen returned to the track in ninth. With the race nearing its conclusion, Bortoleto was only 1.3 seconds behind Fernando Alonso.

With eight laps to go until the checkered flag, Bortoleto held onto sixth place, trailing Alonso by 4.1 seconds and Stroll by 2.2 seconds. The young driver remained focused, showcasing his determination and skill as he navigated the circuit.

At the conclusion of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Gabriel Bortoleto crossed the finish line in sixth place, marking his best result of the 2025 season. This performance not only earned him crucial championship points but also solidified his growing reputation in the world of Formula 1.

Bortoleto’s journey in the Formula 1 arena continues to unfold, and his impressive performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix serves as a testament to his potential as a rising star in motorsport. Fans and enthusiasts alike are eager to see what lies ahead for this talented young driver as the season progresses.